Antenatal care in Australia: your appointments, scans and tests
How many visits, which scans when, what is free and what is not: the Australian timetable for an uncomplicated pregnancy.
Updated October 13, 2026 · sources checked October 13, 2026
In short
In Australia, have your first antenatal visit before 10 weeks, ideally at 6 to 8 weeks, with a GP or midwife. The Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines advise 10 visits for a first pregnancy and 7 for later ones. Key tests include the dating scan, morphology scan at 18 to 22 weeks and glucose test at 24 to 28 weeks.
Your first visit
See your GP or a midwife as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed. Your first antenatal visit is best before 10 weeks, ideally at 6 to 8 weeks. Your GP can explain your options and refer you to a maternity service or an obstetrician; you can also contact a midwifery service directly, sometimes without a referral.
At this longer first appointment, your midwife or doctor will confirm the pregnancy, estimate your due date from the first day of your last period, take your medical and family history, check your blood pressure, height and weight, and discuss your model of care (see public vs private care). You will be offered blood and urine tests and asked, as everyone is, about your mood and your safety at home.
How many appointments
The Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines, as summarised by Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, advise 10 visits for a first pregnancy and 7 if you have been pregnant before, without complications. At each visit: blood pressure, your wellbeing, the size of your bump from about 20 weeks, your baby's heartbeat (possibly from 12 weeks) and, later, your baby's movements.
The test timetable
| When | Test | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| First visit | Blood group and antibodies, full blood count, infectious diseases (syphilis, hepatitis, HIV, rubella), urine test, vitamin D, cervical screening if due | Your health and your baby's protection |
| First visit | Mental health and social wellbeing questions | Support for anxiety, depression or family violence |
| 8 to 14 weeks | Dating scan, if needed | Estimated due date |
| From 10 weeks | Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), not covered by Medicare | Screening for some chromosomal conditions |
| 11 to 14 weeks | Combined first trimester screening (blood test and nuchal translucency scan) | Screening |
| From 11 weeks | CVS, only if screening suggests it | Diagnosis |
| From 15 weeks | Amniocentesis, only if screening suggests it | Diagnosis |
| 18 to 22 weeks | Morphology scan | Baby's growth and organs, placenta position |
| 24 to 28 weeks | Glucose tolerance test | Gestational diabetes |
| 26 to 28 weeks | Full blood count again | Anaemia, platelets |
| From 28 weeks | Anti-D if you are Rh negative, as advised | Prevent Rh problems |
| 35 to 37 weeks | Group B streptococcus swab (may be offered) | Infection risk for the baby |
| 41 weeks | Baby's heartbeat, possible extra ultrasound | Monitoring after the due date |
Summary from Pregnancy, Birth and Baby for an uncomplicated pregnancy; timing can vary with your model of care and your state.
A screening test estimates a chance; a diagnostic test gives a much more certain answer. Every test is your choice, after your midwife or doctor explains why it is offered, its benefits, risks and alternatives, and its cost.
Free vaccines in pregnancy
| Vaccine | When |
|---|---|
| Flu | Any time in pregnancy |
| Whooping cough (pertussis) | 20 to 32 weeks (still possible later) |
| RSV | 28 to 38 weeks; helps protect your baby until about 6 months |
They are free under the National Immunisation Program if you hold or are eligible for a Medicare card.
What tests cost
Medicare covers part of the cost of routine antenatal tests, and many ultrasounds and blood tests are bulk billed or partly refunded. Not all tests are covered: NIPT is not, and other out-of-pocket costs depend on the test and where you have it. Ask about fees when you book.
When to call between appointments
Call your doctor, midwife or hospital straight away if you have vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, clear fluid leaking, fever or chills, shortness of breath or a racing heartbeat, pain or swelling in one leg, or a blow to your stomach. After 20 weeks, also for vision changes, sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet, a headache that does not ease with simple pain relief, pain under the ribs or intense itching. Go to hospital immediately if your baby is moving less than usual. In an emergency, call 000. For advice, Pregnancy, Birth and Baby: 1800 882 436.
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Questions parents ask
When should I have my first antenatal appointment in Australia?
Before 10 weeks of pregnancy, ideally at about 6 to 8 weeks. Book with your GP, who can refer you, or contact a midwifery service directly.
How many antenatal appointments will I have?
The Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines advise 10 for a first pregnancy and 7 if you have been pregnant before, when there are no complications. You will have more if needed.
Is NIPT free in Australia?
No. Non-invasive prenatal testing is not covered by Medicare. Many routine ultrasounds and blood tests are covered, sometimes bulk billed.
Which vaccines are free in pregnancy?
Flu at any stage, whooping cough between 20 and 32 weeks, and RSV between 28 and 38 weeks are free under the National Immunisation Program if you hold or are eligible for a Medicare card.
Sources
- Pregnancy, Birth and Baby — Your first antenatal visit checked October 13, 2026
- Pregnancy, Birth and Baby — Checkups and scans during your pregnancy checked October 13, 2026
- Pregnancy, Birth and Baby — Routine antenatal tests checked October 13, 2026
- Pregnancy, Birth and Baby — Vaccinations and pregnancy checked October 13, 2026
- Pregnancy, Birth and Baby — Warning signs during pregnancy checked October 13, 2026
Mamavela explains; it does not replace your midwife, doctor or pediatrician, who know your situation. If something worries you, call them. In an emergency, call 911 (US), 999 (UK) or 112.